Veterinary Technologist - Surgery

Department:

RSC Lab Animal Resource (LAR) Administration

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Veterinary Services

Position Title:

Veterinary Technologist - Surgery

Job Family Group:

Professional Staff

Job Description Summary:

Responsible for biotechnical services and all animal health care aspects including maintaining clinical records for at Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR). Assist with clinical, surgical, and post-surgical care. Serves as the lead in assisting the KUMC Veterinarians with surgery duties and backup to Senior Veterinary Technologist.

Job Description:

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

• Conducts daily health checks and identifies clinical abnormalities.

• Notifies veterinarians and investigators about changes in animal health status.

• Administers prescribed treatments and obtains diagnostic samples from animals.

• Assists veterinarians with maintenance of the medical records.

• Assists veterinarians while in surgery, including animal preparation and anesthesia administration.

• Prepares surgical and other instruments for survival and non-survival procedures.

• Performs minor, aseptic surgical and anesthetic techniques.

• Lead in assisting veterinarians while in surgery, including animal preparation and anesthesia administration.

• Maintenance and operation of surgery equipment, and surgical suite.

• Prepares quotes for surgery and supplies.

• Assist with disposal of non-controlled drugs.

• Serves as instructor in monthly rat surgery class for training researchers.

• Assists veterinarians and investigators with post-surgical care.

• Performs basic housekeeping duties and adheres to surgery area decontamination schedule.

• Performs maintenance and operation of laboratory and surgery equipment.

• Administers animal health programs.

• Submits water samples for testing and prepares reports for LAR management review.

• Assists veterinarian in evaluation of animal enrichment program.

• Assists investigators and their research staff with training needs.

• Administers training sessions for researchers and LAR staff.

• Prepares quotes for surgery and supplies; submits billing information.

• Assist in the developing and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and policies.

• Completes animal care assignments according to standard operating procedures, such as: Feeds and waters animals; Receives and identifies animals using appropriate methods; Handles and restrains animals; Breeds and weans animals; Records information on the cage cards and check sheets; Completes forms and sends email notifications to investigators.

• Attend and maintain compliance on all orientation and training sessions designated by the University and the LAR Department, understand and follow all department and safety protocols, and attend departmental seminars, regular LAR meetings. Attend continuing education and suggested trainings.

• Must be able to work weekends and holidays.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Associate’s degree in veterinary technology, animal science, biology, or similar field. Education may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis. Experience used to substitute education is in addition to any required work experience.          

Work Experience:

• At least 1 year of working in the area lab animal research.

• At least 1 year of assisting veterinarians while in surgery, including animal preparation and anesthesia administration with demonstrated expertise in performing these functions.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology, animal science, biology, or similar field.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) certification, current and in good standing

• Veterinary Certification AND (RVT, LVT, CVT, etc.), current and in good standing

Work Experience:

• 3 years of working in the area lab animal research

Skills

• Solid communication skills

• Can lift 50 pounds

• Advanced computer skills

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities